Virgin-shaming of "Bachelorette" contestant Colton Underwood has left social media buzzing as hundreds of people declared their support to him after he spoke out about it earlier this week.
During a whirlwind romance with Becca Kufrin on this season of ABC's "The Bachelorette," Underwood revealed that he is a virgin in an awkward conversation with his date, which sparked snide comments from other contestants.
The 26-year-old was eliminated from the ABC reality show during week eight and, on Monday, he broke down and spoke about being shamed for his choice to remain a virgin during the "Men Tell All" reunion episode, USA Today reported.
"Getting cheap shots thrown at me . . . that hurts," he told host Chris Harrison. "I feel that people think I am less of a man because of that and that’s the hardest thing to hear."
As a former football player, Underwood said he often made up lies to evade the topic of sex, which is a frequent locker room topic.
He said that having his virginity in the spotlight was the hardest thing he had ever had to do.
Taking to Instagram, Underwood said that it's a topic he struggles to talk about and when he heard comments from the other contestants, it triggered an unexpected response from him.
"While I respect their opinions, I’m not here to prove a point, say I’m better than anyone else or gain sympathy," he said. "It is what it is . . . my virginity shouldn’t have to be defended or used to describe me as a person."
He added that he is not going to hide who he is.
"If I have to continue to take cheap shots about my virginity — which is only a small part of who I am —so that others like me can feel comfortable & relate —bring it on!"
Underwood was applauded by fans on social media, with hundreds supporting him on his decision.
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